Effects of TAK-427 on acute nasal symptoms and nasal obstruction in guinea pig model of experimental allergic rhinitis.

TAK-427 (2-[6-[[3-[4-(diphenylmethoxy)piperidino]propyl]amino]imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazin-2-yl]-2-methylpropionic acid dihydrate) is a novel anti-allergic agent that has both histamine H1-receptor antagonist and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of TAK-427 on acute nasal responses and nasal obstruction using various guinea pig models of allergic rhinitis. TAK-427 inhibited the histamine-induced nasal reactions with an ID50 value of 0.633 mg/kg, p.o. TAK-427 (0.1-10 mg/kg, p.o.) and most histamine H1-receptor antagonists tested inhibited the increase in intranasal pressure, nasal hypersecretion, sneezing and nasal itching caused by a single antigen challenge in sensitized guinea pigs. In addition, TAK-427 (0.3, 30 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly inhibited the development of nasal obstruction when sensitized guinea pigs were repeatedly challenged via inhalation with Japanese cedar pollen, whereas the histamine H1-receptor antagonist, azelastine (1 mg/kg, p.o.), and ketotifen (1 mg/kg, p.o.) were without effect. These results suggest that TAK-427 might not only suppress acute nasal symptoms but also ameliorate nasal obstruction via the effects other than those as a histamine H1-receptor antagonist.

Synthesis of eosinophil infiltration inhibitors with antihistaminic activity.

A series of [1, 2, 4]triazolo[1, 5-b]pyridazines (5) and imidazo[1, 2-b]pyridazines (6) having cyclic amines was synthesized and evaluated for antihistaminic activity and inhibitory effect on eosinophil infiltration. When a piperidine or a piperazine containing a benzhydryl group and a suitable spacer was incorporated at the 6-position, the fused pyridazines were found to exhibit both antihistaminic activity and an inhibitory effect on eosinophil chemotaxis. Above all, 6a showed potent antihistaminic activity, but little blockade of central H(1) receptors in contrast with its complete blockade of peripheral H(1) receptors as determined by an ex vivo binding assay. Furthermore, 6a inhibited eosinophil infiltration of the skin caused by a topical antigen challenge in sensitized guinea pigs, while an antihistamine terfenadine was not effective. After the pharmacokinetic study, 6a was found to be rapidly hydrolyzed to 6o, which was also orally active. Compound 6o, 2-[6-[[3-[4-(diphenylmethoxy)piperidino]propyl]amino]imidazo[1, 2-b]pyridazin-2-yl]-2-methylpropionic acid dihydrate (TAK-427), having both antihistaminic and antiinflammatory activity, is currently undergoing clinical trials as a therapeutic agent for atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis.

Inhibition of allergic dermal inflammation by the novel imidazopyridazine derivative TAK-427 in a guinea pig experimental model of eczema.

Antigen challenge by patch ovalbumin emulsion induced an eczema-like skin lesion in epicutaneously sensitized guinea pigs. Diseased skin sites were macroscopically characterized by manifestations of dermatitis, such as erythema, edema, and papules, and microscopically characterized by acanthosis, spongiosis, and dermal infiltration by eosinophils. Using such lesions as a model of eczema, we evaluated the potential value of TAK-427 [2-[6-[[3-[4-(diphenylmethoxy)piperidino]propyl]amino] imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazin-2-yl]-2-methylpropionic acid dihydrate] as a therapeutic agent for atopic dermatitis by comparing it with dexamethasone and antihistamines. TAK-427 (0.3-30 mg/kg, p.o.) and dexamethasone (3 and 10 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited eosinophil infiltration into the skin and ameliorated the dermatitis manifestations and epidermal damage. By contrast, none of the antihistamines tested (azelastine, ketotifen, terfenadine, and cetirizine) suppressed the eosinophil infiltration or dermatitis manifestations. To elucidate the mechanism by which TAK-427 inhibited the development of eczema, we investigated cytokine expression in the affected skin. Both TAK-427 and dexamethasone suppressed the increased mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-13, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, IL-1alpha, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma, and IL-8, but not IL-10, suggesting that TAK-427 inhibits allergic inflammation of the skin leading to the development of eczema by inhibiting the expression of proinflammatory cytokines after antigen challenge.